Bayelsa State Ministry of Women Affairs

Your Excellency, your unwavering commitment to the welfare of women, children, and vulnerable groups, as well as your visionary leadership and dedication to the development of Bayelsa State, continue to inspire us all.

As you celebrate this special day, we pray that God grants you continued good health, wisdom, strength, and many more years of impactful service to our dear state and humanity.

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency!
Signed: Hon. Joanah Gigi Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development

Hon. Joanah Gigi Represents Her Excellency, Dr. Gloria Diri, as Bayelsa Celebrates 2026 Children’s Day

The Bayelsa State Government joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the 2026 Children’s Day, with a vibrant and impactful event held in honour of children across the state.

The Honourable Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Hon. Joanah Gigi, represented the First Lady of Bayelsa State, Her Excellency Dr. Gloria Diri, at the celebration.

The event featured a series of engaging and educational activities designed to inspire and empower young minds. Highlights included exciting dancing competitions, quiz competitions among schools centered on this year’s theme, “Future Now,” as well as other interactive sessions that showcased the talents and intellectual capacity of the children.

In further demonstration of the government’s commitment to the welfare and development of children, back-to-school items were distributed to participants. These items included school bags, water bottles, notebooks, mathematical sets, and other essential learning materials aimed at supporting their educational journey.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Joanah Gigi reiterated the administration’s dedication to nurturing a brighter future for every child in Bayelsa State, emphasizing the importance of investing in children as leaders of tomorrow.

The celebration served not only as a moment of joy and recognition for children but also as a reaffirmation of the state government’s commitment to their growth, protection, and overall well-being.

Happy Children’s Day to all our amazing Children 🎊🎉

Hon. Joanah Gigi Attends Integrity Stewardship Award Presentation Honouring Mrs. Charity Kens Godwin

The Honourable Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Hon. Joanah Gigi, today, 25th May 2026, attended the Integrity Stewardship Award presentation organized by the Centre for Peace and Self Values Re-Orientation, held in honour of the Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Entrepreneurship Development and Director General of the Douye Diri Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme, Hon. Mrs. Charity Kens Godwin.

The award, conferred at the instance of the Abuja-based organization, recognized Mrs. Godwin as a “Service Ambassador” following an independent assessment across the South-South region, where she scored an outstanding 90% in ten key sectors.

Presenting the award, the Executive Director of the Centre, Comrade Abubakar Oyibo, described Mrs. Godwin as a selfless and dedicated leader whose commitment to service, transparency, and the transformation agenda of the Bayelsa State Government has distinguished her. He commended her accessibility, integrity, philanthropic leadership style, and unwavering stance against corruption, urging her to remain focused despite challenges.

Comrade Oyibo also called on the Federal Government to intensify developmental efforts in the Niger Delta, decrying the region’s persistent challenges despite its economic significance.

In her response, Mrs. Charity Kens Godwin expressed heartfelt appreciation for the honour, noting that service does not go unnoticed. She dedicated the award to His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, for providing her the platform to serve. She also thanked the organizers, dignitaries, friends, and well-wishers for their support and presence.

The event featured the formal decoration of the awardee, symbolizing ethical leadership and service excellence in Nigeria, and was attended by several dignitaries from across the state.

Bayelsa State Association of the Deaf Pays Courtesy Visit to Commissioner for Women Affairs

The Bayelsa State Association of the Deaf today paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Hon. Joanah Gigi, at her office.

The delegation was led by its Chairman, Mr. Woyingikuro Yalah, alongside Miss Chineye Odimkpa Aslin, who served as the interpreter. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize themselves with the Ministry and its leadership, as well as to highlight some of the challenges faced by members of the Association. The group also presented requests for support in areas where they currently experience significant needs.

In her response, Hon. Joanah Gigi expressed appreciation to the delegation for taking the time to visit the Ministry. She assured them of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the Association and provide necessary support where possible. The Commissioner further pledged to communicate their concerns and requests to the State Governor for appropriate consideration.

Also present during the visit was the Director of Rehabilitation, Mrs. Idumangi Tarinyo Joy.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing commitment to fostering inclusion and improving the welfare of persons with disabilities in Bayelsa State.

National Council of Women Societies Pays Courtesy Visit to Hon. Joanah Gigi

The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) today paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Hon. Joanah Gigi, in her office.

The delegation was led by its President, Mrs. Anne Ziworitin, who stated that the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the Honourable Commissioner on her appointment and to establish a working relationship with the Ministry.

Mrs. Ziworitin commended the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Diri, for their commitment to the development and welfare of women in the state. She noted that the visit also provided an opportunity for the Council to familiarize itself with the Ministry’s leadership and operations.

Highlighting the Council’s mission, Mrs. Ziworitin briefed the Commissioner on the group’s modus operandi and emphasized its readiness to collaborate with the Ministry to promote increased participation of women in politics and governance, both in Bayelsa State and across Nigeria.

As part of the visit, Hon. Joanah Gigi was decorated with the Council’s uniform, symbolically inducting her as a member of the group and further strengthening the bond between the Ministry and the Council.

In her response, Hon. Joanah Gigi expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit and their kind words. She reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with the National Council of Women Societies to advance the cause of women, children, and vulnerable groups in the state.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and the Director of Women Affairs were present during the visit, further underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to fostering strong institutional partnerships.

The visit marks a significant step towards strengthening collaborations aimed at empowering women and promoting inclusive governance.

WELCOME TO MAY.

VIVIEN ENIEKENUMU ERE: A CHAMPION FOR WOMEN BOWS OUT IN HONOUR AS BAYELSANS BID FAREWELL

Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Diri, alongside Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), former Secretary to the State Government, Alain Gideon Ekewei, and the Honourable Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Hon. Joanah Gigi, today arrived at Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, to attend the burial ceremony of the late Hon. Vivien Ere.

Also in attendance was Hon. Fred Agbedi, Member of the House of Representatives, alongside other serving and former members of the National Assembly, including senators past and present, who joined in paying their last respects.

They were joined by members of the State Executive Council, including commissioners, as well as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women in Politics, Hon. Bibian George; the Bayelsa APC Women Leader, Mrs. Rose Itoko; Hon. Sadaguo; Special Advisers; Senior Special Assistants; key stakeholders; and a host of dignitaries from across the state and beyond.

The gathering drew an impressive array of prominent Bayelsa sons and daughters, captains of industry, and well-wishers, all united in paying their final respects to the late Hon. Vivien Ere, whose legacy continues to resonate across the state.

Late Hon. Vivien Ere is fondly remembered as a trailblazer and a woman of courage, who made history as the first female member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. Her contributions to governance and the advancement of women in leadership remain indelible.

The solemn ceremony was marked by tributes and reflections on her impactful life, as attendees celebrated her legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to the people of Bayelsa State.

BAYELSA FIRST LADY, THROUGH COMMISSIONER JOANAH GIGI, LEADS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO FAMILY OF LATE HON. VIVIEN ENIEKENUMU ERE

Her Excellency, Dr. Gloria Diri, wife of the Governor of Bayelsa State, was ably represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Hon. Joanah Gigi, on a condolence visit to the family of the late Hon. Vivien Eniekenumu Ere.

The delegation, which included other prominent women leaders in Bayelsa State, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the late Hon. Ere, describing her as a committed public servant and a woman of remarkable impact whose contributions to society will not be forgotten.

Accompanying the Honourable Commissioner on the visit were the Special Adviser on Women in Politics, Hon. Bibian George; APC Deputy Women Leader, Rose Itoko; stakeholder, Dame Grace Fiepere; as well as other Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants to the Governor.

Speaking on behalf of Her Excellency, Hon. Joanah Gigi conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, urging them to find strength and comfort in the legacy of service, compassion, and dedication left behind by the deceased.

She further noted that the loss is not only to the immediate family but also to Bayelsa State as a whole, given the late Hon. Ere’s unwavering commitment to the development of her community and the empowerment of women.

The delegation prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and for God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Hon. Joanah Gigi Welcomes President Tinubu to Bayelsa for Landmark Visit and Project Commissioning

The Honourable Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, has joined the good people of the state and the Executive Governor, alongside his wife, and the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Peretubo Akpe, in warmly welcoming the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, , to the state on the occasion of his one-day working visit.

The visit marks a significant milestone as the President is in Bayelsa State to commission key legacy projects, including the 60MW gas turbine, a development expected to boost power supply and drive economic growth in the state.
The event witnessed a strong show of support and solidarity from women across the state, including distinguished women leaders and elders such as,,, and, among many others.

These notable women, alongside a large turnout of Bayelsa women, graced the occasion in their numbers, adorned in beautiful and colourful outfits, demonstrating unity, pride, and unwavering support for the administration and the developmental strides being recorded in the state.

Hon. Joanah Gigi commended the women of Bayelsa for their consistent support and participation in state affairs, emphasizing the vital role women play in fostering community development and strengthening governance.
The Honourable Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of her Ministry to continue empowering women, protecting the rights of children, and promoting inclusive social development across Bayelsa State.

Signed:
Office of the Honourable Commissioner
Ministry of Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development
Bayelsa State